Female Business Leaders Say Funding A Big Challenge For Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs face a major challenge in securing funding in addition to keeping a balance between the needs of entrepreneurship and the traditional gender roles and expectations, female business leaders said on the occasion of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day on November 19.

The women entrepreneurs shared their opinions and said that fostering an inclusive work environment and focusing on issues like easy entry into workforce, financial independence, and healthcare would help women take the charge and make an impact, reported PTI. 

Sharing the obstacles faced by women, Assiduus Global CEO and founder, Somdutta Singh, said, “Historically, many business networks have been male-dominated, making it harder for women to access key connections and opportunities.” 

The entrepreneur, also an advisor to Niti Aayog, noted, “I am constantly working to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. I am involved in building networks that support women in entrepreneurship. I am always advocating for equal funding opportunities, pushing for a more equitable distribution of resources.”

Talking about gender equality, SheThePeopleTV and Gytree.com founder, Shaili Chopra, underlined the importance of helping women find more ways to be a part of the workforce. She said, “This involves not only promoting equal opportunities but also addressing key areas such as healthcare, financial autonomy, and inclusive dialogue. With both my initiatives, I have centred the platforms around the community, aiming to build a sisterhood economy, where women lead and make an impact.”

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Novatr’s chief product officer, Vipanchi Handa, also shared her experience about the challenges faced by women, specially her encounter with working in a male-dominated industry like construction, where her male counterparts’ instructions were given preference over hers. These issues led to her venturing into a space for herself. 

Elaborating on her leadership experience, PR firm Jajabors Brand Consultancy founder, Upasana Dash, said, “Business was almost shadow-banned for seven generations from where I come, more so for women in families in the eastern part of India. But after working in this industry, I realised that there is a gap for business metrics and also, for women in positions of leadership.”